Degree Requirements for the English Major

The English major prepares students for a variety of careers that demand expertise in analyzing texts, thinking critically, and writing for a diverse audience. These include, among others, print and electronic journalism, teaching, law, public relations, marketing, technical writing, librarianship, and information management.

Two of the following British literature surveys:
ENG-E 301 Literatures in English to 1600
ENG-E 302 Literatures in English, 1600-1800
ENG-E 303 Literatures in English, 1800-1900
ENG-E 304 Literatures in English, 1900-Present

One of the following American literature surveys: ENG-L 350 Early American Writing and Culture to 1800
ENG-L 351 American Literature, 1800-1865
ENG-L 352 American Literature, 1865-1914
ENG-L 354 American Literature since 1914

Please note: students must take the American and British literature surveys in different historical periods. Hence, in the table below, students must spread their three choices among A, B, C, and D below - and two of those selections must be "E30x" courses; one must be L35x. Any survey course may also be taken as an elective, with no restrictions.

Senior seminar (3 hours). One of the following: ENG-L 450 Seminar: British and American Authors
ENG-L 460 Seminar: Literary Form, Mode, and Theme

Students take the senior seminar when all or almost all other major courses have been completed.

Electives (12 hours)

In consultation with the advisor, students plan elective courses with consideration of possible career choices and graduate study.

Concentration in Literature: At least 9 of the 12 hours must be in literature at the 300-level and above.

Concentration in Writing: At least 9 of the 12 hours in must be in writing, 6 of which at the 300-level and above.

The following journalism courses are offered by communication arts in the Raclin School of the Arts, and can count toward an English major. See communication studies under Raclin School of the Arts for these offerings: